The reason we do it. Academic Excellence Grant recipient, Anna Sing, representing Australia at the 2017 International Biology Olympiad held in the United Kingdom, with the support of the Mac.Rob Foundation.
“The Mac.Rob Foundation recognises the efforts of young women and gender diverse young people by supporting their access to quality education.”
EVA ZILELI, BOARD CHAIR
About Us
The Mac.Rob Foundation is a philanthropic foundation focused on delivering the best possible education outcomes for young women and gender diverse young people in Victoria.
Founded by the then Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School principal, Toni Meath, alongside alumna Deb Knight, the launch of The Mac.Rob Foundation took place on the 5th March 2016, at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Since that time, the Mac.Rob Foundation has supported the energies and efforts of students in achieving their educational and academic dreams.
We have hosted a wide range of informative events and activities - demonstrating female leadership across diverse industry sectors. We have supported the voices of strong women, providing access to important role models to the next generation of female leaders. We are grateful to speakers such as award-winning historian and author Dr Clare Wright, media commentator Jamila Rizvi, Professor Gillian Triggs and journalist Virginia Trioli for their support of our cause.
Today we are focused on the outcomes we can deliver direct to young women and gender diverse young people. We have a well rounded Scholarship and Bursaries program and ensure donations directly support recipients to achieve their education goals.
our board
Eva Zileli
Chair
Eva is a finance executive with extensive experience leading finance and treasury teams across Australia and the UK. Her career includes positions as Group Treasurer of a leading consumer lender and Head of Group Funding at one of Australia’s major banks. Eva has pioneered award-winning sustainable funding deals, earning recognition as a Debt Capital Markets “Markets Person of the Year”. Eva is a conference panellist and has served on an industry national committee. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Eva holds a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.
Michelle Vuong
TREASURER
Michelle is a Senior Finance Partner at Dentsu Australia, supporting the local media business. With more than 13 years working in commercial finance, financial planning and analysis, and financial reporting and audits, Michelle has robust experience in her field. Her career includes six years in London, giving her invaluable global financial exposure and perspective. Michelle is a Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand member and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Melbourne. She is a proud alumna of Mac.Rob and values the exceptional standard of education and opportunities the school provides.
Kanchana Kopsaftis
secretary
Kanchana is currently a senior lawyer at the Department of Justice and Community Safety. She has over 10 years of legal experience in the private and public sectors. Kanchana holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.
Angela Bao
BOARD MEMBER
Angela is a senior executive with over 20 years’ experience across product, marketing, category and commercial P&L management in Australia and the UK. She has held director and general management roles at Telstra and Vocus, and is currently APAC Senior Head of Product at SEEK. Angela is passionate about fostering inclusive cultures, championing equitable practices and using technology as a force for positive social impact. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney.
Anne Kuleshova
Board Member
Anne has 15 years’ experience in the finance industry, including in investment advisory, banking and M&A roles at JANA, Deloitte and Macquarie. Anne is an Actuary (AIAA), a Fellow of FINSIA, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Melbourne. She has a strong appreciation for the outstanding education she received at Mac.Rob, and is passionate about giving back to the next generation of women. Anne is the co-founder of Women In Investments, a networking group that fosters stronger connections and career development in the investment industry.
Mohshin Habib
Board Member
Mohshin is the School Council President and Foundation Board representative, bringing over 20 years of leadership in academia and international development across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. He has held senior roles at Swinburne, Monash, and Deakin Universities, and worked with UNDP on global initiatives. His research on forced migration has earned recognition, including the Swinburne Research Impact Award and invitations to present at the UN Human Rights Council. He developed the “Poverty Alleviation Measurement Tool” which is implemented across Southeast Asia.
Lauren Solly
BOARD MEMBER
President of the Palladians Association, Lauren serves on the Foundation Board as its representative. A 2006 Mac.Rob graduate and former SRC President, Lauren studied Human Resources and Psychology at Monash University, graduating as Highest Achieving Student in HR. She has since built a career in HR Management across the automotive, telco and tech sectors, with a strong focus on leadership development and strengths-based coaching. Lauren is passionate about connection and community, and looks forward to helping strengthen ties between Mac.Rob, the Foundation and alumnae.
Lynne Jensen
Board Member
Lynne is an experienced executive leader with a background in governance, legal counsel and business enablement. Current Executive Director, Business Enablement, at OneFortyOne, her past roles have included Group Head of Governance and Company Secretary at SEEK, and General Counsel at Grocon. Lynne brings extensive board experience through her directorships with organisations including Save the Children and Ganbina. A respected member of the Mac.Rob community, Lynne is immediate past Chair of the Foundation and a Portrait Gallery member.
Sue Harrap
Board Member
PrINCIPAL, MAC.ROBERTSON
Sue has worked in education for her entire professional life. Prior to joining Mac.Rob as Principal in July 2021, she was Principal of Northcote High School and before that Assistant Principal at Nossal High School. Her experience is broad, working both locally and internationally, in K-12 schools through to tertiary institutions, in rural, remote and urban schools, and neighbourhood and selective entry contexts. Sue has a Master in School Leadership and graduate qualifications in curriculum, assessment and wellbeing. She is a passionate advocate for access to quality education for all.